Cookie Policy
Last updated: 1 January 2024
This Cookie Policy describes how ByteWise Academy Ltd ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small data files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to keep websites functioning efficiently, remember your preferences, and gather analytics data to help improve the user experience.
Cookies may be "persistent" (remaining on your device until they expire or you delete them) or "session-based" (deleted automatically when you close your browser).
2. Cookies We Use
2.1 Essential Cookies
These are necessary for the website to function correctly. They cannot be disabled without affecting site functionality.
| Name | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| bw_cookies | Records your cookie consent preference | 12 months |
| bw_session | Maintains your browsing session | Session |
2.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect anonymous information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages are most popular and how users navigate between pages. This helps us improve the site.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique visitors | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Maintains session state | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users within a 24-hour window | 24 hours |
2.3 Functional Cookies
These cookies remember choices you make (such as language or display preferences) to provide a more personalised experience.
| Name | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| bw_prefs | Stores display and accessibility preferences | 12 months |
2.4 Advertising & Marketing Cookies
If you provide consent, these cookies may be used to deliver more relevant advertisements and measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| _gcl_au | Google Ads | Conversion tracking for advertising | 90 days |
3. Your Cookie Choices
When you first visit our website, a cookie consent banner will appear giving you the choice to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your mind at any time by clearing your browser cookies and revisiting the site.
Managing Cookies in Your Browser
All major browsers let you view, manage, and delete cookies through their settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality or appearance of certain features on our website.
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services integrated into our website. These services have their own privacy and cookie policies:
- Google Analytics — Website traffic analysis and reporting.
- Google Ads — Advertising performance measurement and conversion tracking.
We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of these providers for full information on how they process data.
5. Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" feature. At present, there is no universally accepted standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. We do not currently alter our data practices in response to DNT browser signals, but we respect your cookie consent preferences as described above.
6. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Updates will be published on this page with a revised date.
7. Contact
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
- Email: data@bytewiseacademy.co.uk
- Post: ByteWise Academy Ltd, 18 Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3AT
- Telephone: 0131 496 0028